Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) brightens the new year of a far-flung community in Sitio Malambuon in Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City by distributing solar powered batteries and putting up a solar charging station that benefits around 40 households in the area.

Members of Ata tribe in Sitio Malambuon now enjoy electric light from the LED bulbs that were also distributed by Davao Light last December 22, 2016.

Davao Light employees volunteered to help with the wiring and installation of LED bulbs in the beneficiary households. It took almost two months for the Davao Light Streetlights and Pole Utilities Department (SPUD) to complete the electrical wiring installation in beneficiary-households and pole erection to prepare the community for solar electrification.

Part of the project’s goal is to prepare the community for livelihood and sustainable development. With this, Davao Light has also partnered with Ateneo de Davao’s Mindanawon Initiative for Cultural Dialogue which will do the capacity training for the beneficiaries.

“It is part of our mission and commitment to help and to continuously find better ways of helping improve the lives of our people,” said Rodger Velasco, DLPC EVP and COO.

Sitio Malambuon has a population over 600. It is located at least 72 kilometers from the city center. The closest electricity pole is located 20 kilometers from the community. Poor road conditions going to the community, especially during rainy seasons, makes access to the area challenging.

Residents had been using kerosene lamps to light their homes. They had to trek down to the town center every week to buy kerosene.

The new solar charging station makes a life for residents easier and safer.

“Davao Light will remain a responsible partner on the road to progress and development, essential to our community’s collective hope for a better life.” Velasco added.

This is the fifth community beneficiary of Davao Light’s Solar Charging Station Project since it launched the project in 2010. The project has already provided electricity to at least 153 households located in various communities in the region including Gumitan, Sto. Tomas, Indawhong, and Upper Kibalang- Gawad Kalinga.